What it’s like to work at CYENS Centre of Excellence

In an era when innovation is crucial, CYENS Centre of Excellence has the best of both worlds: it keeps its eyes on the prize while also enhancing employee wellbeing by fostering a positive culture and recognising employee contributions.

Established in 2018, CYENS Centre of Excellence stands as a beacon of innovation in Cyprus, pioneering advancements in Interactive Media, Smart Systems and Emerging Technologies. Its mission is to drive social and economic innovation through world-class research and technology transfer. With approximately 140 employees, comprising 100 researchers and 40 support staff, CYENS has grown significantly by attracting top talent. Its vibrant community, representing 12 ethnicities and over 15 languages, celebrates diversity and champions gender equality, with women holding key positions in management and research.

“Our services encompass cutting-edge research, development and innovation projects. We are committed to producing high-impact research that benefits both society and the economy,” says Senior HR Manager Eleni Papanikolaou. “CYENS offers various training programmes and courses to the public and our employees, fostering digitalisation and professional development,” she adds.

Senior HR Manager Eleni Papanikolaou

The organisation invests heavily in the professional development of its employees through a variety of training and mentorship programmes; it is involved in the HRDA training scheme, focusing on digitalisation, with courses tailored to meet the needs of its employees and the general public as well as a highly successful internship scheme that provides opportunities for mentorship, knowledge transfer and leadership development. Additionally, it offers opportunities for employees to work with world-class universities, further enhancing their expertise and career progression.

Through committees, employees participate in decision-making, governance and policymaking, ensuring a harmonious blend of top-down and bottom-up communication. Quarterly all-employee meetings are used to unveil ongoing projects and initiatives, nurturing a spirit of collaboration and transparency. “We strongly believe that our employees are our best ambassadors and we invest significant time in open and transparent communication to ensure they are well-informed and engaged,” Papanikolaou enthuses and goes on to outline initiatives to enhance CYENS employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

“We offer flexible work arrangements, including remote working, to help our employees maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. Our policies are designed to support the wellbeing of our staff, ensuring that they have the resources and support they need, both in the office and remotely. Our working environment is one of our biggest assets and sources of pride. Located in the centre of the old town of Nicosia, it allows employees to enjoy the vibrant cultural scene, including after-work drinks, museum visits and tours of the historical area, enriching their work-life experience.” Actions speak louder than words and CYENS proves the truth of this saying through its provision of a comprehensive benefits package that includes a provident fund, paid sick leave and paid maternity/paternity leave for parents. Employees also enjoy discounts at local restaurants, bars and other establishments, as well as extensive opportunities for learning and growth, through access to state-of-the-art research facilities and the chance to collaborate with leading universities and research institutions worldwide. “Our newly renovated building in the heart of Nicosia provides an inspiring work environment that adds a touch of pride and motivation to our daily operations” Papanikolaou says.

CYENS regularly evaluates employee satisfaction and engagement through surveys and feedback mechanisms. This input is considered as crucial for continuous improvement and it has led to several employee-driven changes in recent years, such as the implementation of more flexible work arrangements and enhanced professional development programmes. “Listening to our employees and acting on their feedback is key to maintaining a motivated and engaged workforce,” Papanikolaou states. “CYENS stands out as an employer of choice due to our commitment to innovation, professional development and employee wellbeing. Our diverse and inclusive work environment, combined with a focus on cutting-edge research and technology, makes us a leading organisation in Cyprus and beyond. Being part of CYENS means being in good company; excellence, innovation and employee satisfaction are to be found at the heart of our mission.”

This interview first appeared in the July edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.